Lady Sarah Bunbury Sacrificing to the Graces
1764
oil
From the collection of Art Institute of Chicago
1764
oil
From the collection of Art Institute of Chicago
Lady Sarah Bunbury Sacrificing to the Graces is a 1764 oil by Joshua Reynolds, a Rococo painting work, held at Art Institute of Chicago.
Lady Sarah Bunbury stands in a pale pink dress, pouring oil from a golden cup. Behind her are three statuesque women—the Three Graces—symbols of beauty and charm. Reynolds painted her like a Roman goddess, showing her soon-to-be husband wanted a heroic image. He used soft, blended brushstrokes to make her look graceful and alive. Reynolds worked from live models but kept poses dramatic, like in ancient statues. The Graces stand close, their curved forms echoing each other. It’s a fancy way to show love and duty before marriage. Look up Sir Joshua Reynolds to see how he shaped British portrait painting.
